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Former Mrs. US America Chooses SHSU

When Sam Houston State University’s new Master of Arts program in communication studies began at the University Center in the Woodlands this fall, among the its six students was a “celebrity."

Former Mrs. US America Terri Jaggers, wife, community leader and mother, said that the convenience and fresh possibilities that the new SHSU master’s program offered at the University Center determined her choice to attend graduate school.

“I am a leader, and the fact that it was a new program was appealing to me,” said Jaggers. “The program’s convenience is a huge plus for someone like me who is older, owns a business and has other priorities.”

As the titleholder of Mrs. US America from 2007-2008, Jaggers is often invited to be a guest a speaker at various locations across the country.

“Having classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday leaves the rest of my week open for other priorities,” she said.

Jaggers’ main motivation for earning a graduate degree came when she was asked to write a book on foster care in America. She felt that earning her master’s degree in communication studies would gain her more credibility in the foster care industry. Jaggers’ philanthropy in the foster care industry has been the platform for many of her achievements.

In addition, Jaggers has been offered the executive director position at the National Foster Care Association.

“I feel that I will be more qualified for that position after I receive my graduate degree,” Jaggers said.

Her advocacy in the foster care system has earned her many esteemed awards including Houston’s 2007 Jefferson Award and the 2008 Ambassador of Purpose Award from the Arrow Project. Jaggers was also Mrs. Texas United States from 2005-2006.

After earning her master’s degree from SHSU, Jaggers hopes to become more involved in the foster care system nationally and internationally.

Jaggers said she admires all of the professors in the communications studies department.

“I think highly of all of my professors. They make me feel comfortable in the classroom,” she said. “I have already gained a wealth of knowledge from all of them.”

Brian Domitrovic, assistant professor of history, appeared on Book TV (C-SPAN) May 1-2, speaking about his recent book "Econoclasts: The Rebels Sparked the Supply Side Revolution and Restored American Prosperity" (www.econoclasts.net).

Houston Chronicle education writer Jeannie Kever recently turned to Regents Professor of English Paul Ruffin for his views on university presses moving toward "digital books" as opposed to traditional ink-on-paper."We're fulfilling the ancient role of the university press, and that is to produce books," said Paul Ruffin, the Texas poet laureate for 2009 and director of the Texas Review Press at Sam Houston State University. "I don't want to give up the book because it is an art."